ITINERARY
Days 1-2
Your journey
takes you over Canada, Alaska, parts of eastern Russia
and Japan. You'll lose a day crossing the International
Date Line.
You arrive at Beijing's Capital Airport in the afternoon. You'll be met and taken to your hotel.
Presidential Plaza
Day 3 BEIJING
After a hearty breakfast (all breakfasts are buffet style with Western and Chinese menu choices), enjoy a tour of the Chinese capital, starting with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the city’s two most important sites. Tiananmen means the Gate of Heavenly Peace and the square in front is the largest in the world. Chairman Mao still dominates the square 34 years after his death, with his giant portrait at the north end and his mausoleum at the south. Behind imposing red walls is the Forbidden City, a vast collection of buildings reputed to comprise 9,999 rooms. It was home to emperors of both the Ming and Qing dynasties — a span of more than 500 years. Afternoon enjoy a ride through one of Beijing’s old residential sections called hutongs, which are fast disappearing as the city modernizes. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight enjoy Peking Duck, a local specialty.
Presidential Plaza B L D
Day 4 BEIJING
Today you’ll go to the Great Wall, China’s best-known heritage site. The wall extends thousands of kilometres across northern China and is actually a collection of walls built over two millennia. The section of wall you’ll be visiting rises and falls along the ridges of the Yin and Yan Mountains at Mutianyu, a two-hour coach ride north of the city. After lunch, you’ll go to the Summer Palace, once a favourite haunt of the Empress Dowager Cixi, de facto ruler of China until her death in 1908. Tonight enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese opera. The tales are drawn from China’s rich history and include myths and age-old traditions.
Presidential Plaza B L D
Day 5 BEIJING/XIAN
In the morning visit the beautifully symmetrical Temple of Heaven. It was here emperors would troop in splendid procession each year to render homage to Heaven and pray for a good harvest, communing with Heaven from a stone altar. The temple’s exquisite blue glazed dome is a defining symbol of the capital. Afternoon fly to Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China’s most storied cities. Stop at the City Wall, one of the most complete and best preserved in China.
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza B L D
Day 6 XIAN
Today you'll visit the amazing display of terracotta figures guarding the vast tomb of China's first emperor. This extraordinary treasure was discovered 36 years ago by some farmers digging a well, although its existence had been rumoured for centuries in legends. You will also go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in the 8th century to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. In the evening dine on dumplings, a local specialty, and attend a glittering performance of song and dance from the Tang Dynasty, 1300 years ago, when Xian, then called Chang’an, was capital of China and one of the grandest cities in the world.
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza B L D
Day 7 XIAN/CHONGQING
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Chongqing in Sichuan Province at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The city, one of the largest in the world, was the capital of China during the War with Japan. Visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. Tonight you’ll have a hot pot dinner.
Hilton Hotel B L D
Day 8 CHONGQING/YANGTZE RIVER
Today enjoy a tour of Chongqing including a visit to Chongqing Zoo to see to lovable pandas. Optional is a day trip to Dazu, 165 km northwest of the city, to visit famed Buddhist grottoes dating back 1500 years, another of China’s World Heritage Sites. In the evening enjoy a special hot pot dinner before boarding the deluxe Victoria Cruise ship for the start of a three night, three-day journey on the Yangtze through the spectacular Three Gorges.
Victoria Cruise Ship B L D
Days 9-10 YANGTZE RIVER
Your cruise includes shore excursions to the Three Gorges Dam Site, Shennong Stream or Daming River, and Fengdu or Shibaozhai. The captain hosts welcome and farewell banquets. Many shipboard activities await. Evening entertainment invites passengers to join in the fun.
Victoria Cruise Ship B L D
Day 11 YICHANG/SHANGHAI
The ship reaches historic Yichang in the early afternoon. Fly to Shanghai. Dinner on your own tonight.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L
Day 12 SHANGHAI
Enjoy a tour of China’s most populous city and commercial hub. You’ll go to the modern Shanghai Museum, one of the best in China, stroll on the waterfront Bund, where Western traders set up shop in the 19th and 20th centuries, and visit beautiful Yu Garden, a fine example of private garden dating back 400 years. A camellia found there was said to have been planted by the original owner. Tonight attend a remarkable acrobatic show, one of the best in China.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 13 SHANGHAI
Today is a free day to explore the city on your own, shop, relax or take part in an optional day trip to nearby Suzhou, renowned for its exquisite gardens and bridges constituting another of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 14 SHANGHAI/HOME
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home OR extend your stay in Shanghai OR exit through Hong Kong. Ask us for details.
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